Barren Earth – Curse of the Red River

Releasedate: 29-03-2010; Label: Reaceville
By: Sabine van Gameren

Barren Earth is a project which is set up by a couple of experienced artists all known from well known bands. Their music includes prog influences as well as death metal influences. Their debut album is called “Curse of the Red River” and is out now.

Hearing the word prog, makes people easily flow of to Opeth immediately. A little of this band is also to find back in Barren Earth, but bear you, there is plenty of their own to enjoy. Keyboards are all over the sound and is often driving the whole sound. If you listen carefully some folk influences are hearable and make you remind to a band like Amorphis, which is not strange as the band includes members of Amorphis.
The feeling and atmosphere of the music can change quite fast even within a song you can go from full aggression to emotional, sadness or romance. It is typical music that you listen to with your heart rather than your mind. The different vocal styles used apply very well to this music. Personal favorite on this album is the song “The Ritual of Dawn” for the use of the vocals, it’s playful and interesting.

“Curse of the Red River” is a somehow complex album for its diversity. The music is not always easy to pick up and demands more than one listen to grow into it. A listener must be aware of that and not put the album aside too soon. Be prepared to give it some time and then you will fully enjoy it.

Line Up:
Mikko Kotamäki – Vocals
Janne Perttilä – Guitar
Sami Yli-Sirniö – Guitar
Kasper Mårtenson – Keyboards
Olli-Pekka Laine – Bass
Marko Tarvonen – Drums

Tracklist: 01. The Curse Of The Red River 02. Our Twilight 03. Forlorn Waves 04. Flicker 05. The Leer 06. The Ritual Of Dawn 07. Ere All Perish 08. Cold Earth Chamber 09. Deserted Morrows

Links:
Barren Earth MySpace
Barren Earth Official